A Higher Calling: Inaugural Seminary Class Graduates from Saint Paul School of Theology at Oklahoma City University

The
first graduates of the Saint Paul School of Theology at Oklahoma City
University will receive their Master of Divinity degrees Friday.

The
inaugural class of five has completed three years of study together.

David
Gardner, a member of the inaugural graduating class and pastor at the First
United Methodist churches in Anadarko and Verden, said the seminary experience
was challenging and rewarding. Gardner enrolled in seminary after working in
municipal government for several decades.

He said
the challenging phases were balanced by a deeper understanding of theology.

“They
peel you like an onion to get down to your core values and you have to examine
those things, but hopefully when you put everything back together your faith
and theology is stronger from that process,” he said.

Gardner
said he also has found an appreciation for lifelong learning.

“A big
part of being prepared to do all the things a church asks of a pastor is to
continue learning,” he said.

Gardner
ministered at Grandfield and Randlett United Methodist churches during his
seminary studies. His wife, Jana, said both congregations were a blessing to
the couple.

“They
were so respectful while David was doing all of his work and of his study
days,” she said. “Now, they’re just as excited about his graduation as we are
even though we’re not there anymore.”

Gardner
said he is looking forward to the future. His peers are just as excited to
begin their journeys after seminary. Also graduating are AnnaMarie George, Tari
Carbaugh, Felecia Hensley and Nathan Mills.

The
graduation ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Aug. 19 at St. Luke’s United
Methodist Church, 222 N.W. 15th St. and is open to the public.

For
more information about the Saint Paul School of Theology at Oklahoma City
University, visit www.spst.edu/ok.